It can hit first-year players when they least expect, and stop progress in its tracks. It can’t be measured in dimensions nor can its tangibility be proven.
This phenomenon is commonly known throughout the NFL as the dreaded rookie wall. And, as Brandin Cooks can now attest, it does, in fact, exist.
Appearing on the Rich Eisen Show on Tuesday, the Saints’ jitterbug receiver...

Two decades after bringing the 49ers their last Super Bowl, Steve Young believes his former team can return to the promised land.
In an interview with Comcast SportsNet, the Hall of Fame quarterback said San Francisco has the personnel in place to win a championship.
“They have a great roster. They have a Super Bowl roster,” Young said. “They have the guys to go do it. I...

If his words (and statistics) are any indication, Eric Decker misses Demaryius Thomas, his former partner-in-crime with the Broncos.So, naturally, he’s jumped at the chance of orchestrating a reunion.The veteran receiver, entering his second year with the Jets, recently filmed a commercial with Thomas, using downtime between takes as a means for recruitment. Thomas is scheduled...

One Las Vegas bettor doesn’t always gamble, but when he does he goes, perhaps literally, for broke.
Per the Sporting News, the MGM Resorts International sports book in Nevada took a “seven-figure wager” on the Patriots to win Super Bowl XLIX.
That’s a lot of coin. Consider: MGM did not receive a million-dollar bet on last year’s Super Bowl, according to Profootballtalk...

Akeem Ayers will remember Oct. 21 for a long time.
It was on that Tuesday that he was traded from the Titans to the Patriots, a midseason transaction that, potentially, could net him a championship ring.
“They made a decision that they felt like they needed to make,” Ayers said, per the Providence Journal. “I don’t have any hard feelings. I just took it as motivation and...

Disclaimer: the following is sponsored content from PrimeSport.
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If you answered “yes” to these questions, PrimeSport is here to help.
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On the heels of Sunday’s brutal NFC title game loss, Randall Cobb is looking toward the future in Green Bay.
The Packers’ dynamic receiver, an impending free agent, made it clear he wants to stay put.
“Of course (I want to be back). I think I’ve made that obvious,” Cobb said, via NFL.com. “Like I’ve said before: This is a business. You don’t know how it’s going...

Is this the end of the line for Wes Welker? That’s reportedly the hope of those close to him.
Per the Boston Globe, “friends and fans” of the Broncos’ free agent receiver want him to start thinking about retirement.
Welker, who turns 34 in May, has battled numerous concussions over the last few seasons, and calling it quits would allow him to reduce the risk of “significant”...

Steve Smith will stick around for season No. 15 in 2015.
Following the Ravens’ Divisional Round loss to the Patriots, the veteran receiver confirmed on Twitter that he’ll continue his playing career.
“I’ve enjoyed every moment and couldn’t have asked for a better fan base,” Smith wrote, per the Baltimore Sun. “Look forward to a better season next year and watch us...

Scot McCloughan is off to a good start in the nation’s capital.
McCloughan, hired as the Redskins’ new general manager earlier this week, was formally introduced to the media on Friday. Making a noticeable first impression, the former 49ers’ executive brought with him a few goodies.
Scot McCloughan brings pizza and cookies to the media at #Redskins Park. pic.twitter.com...

Another day, another demotion for Trent Richardson.
Per the Indianapolis Star, the Colts’ much-maligned running back spent Thursday’s practice on the punt coverage unit.
Working with the punt coverage team today during #Colts practice … Trent Richardson.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) January 8, 2015
Richardson is the team’s No. 3 back, behind Dan Herron and rookie...

It wasn’t too long ago that the Seattle Seahawks, mired in a funk, were considered underdogs to qualify for the postseason.
How things change. They’re now the odds-on choice to repeat as Super Bowl champs.
Per ProFootballTalk.com, linemaker William Hill U.S. on Sunday night released the newest Super Bowl 49 odds, listing Seattle as 9-5 favorites.
Here’s what the entire playoff...

Ahead of Saturday’s wild card contest between the Ravens and Steelers comes a critique of Heinz Field’s playing surface.
Or lack thereof.
“It’s terrible,” Ravens receiver Torrey Smith said, via ESPN.com. “They need to go ahead and put some turf up there or something. Apparently the field gets a lot of use. That’s good for them [as a business], but it’s terrible...

Sheldon Richardson is at it again.
The Jets’ outspoken defensive tackle suffered a head injury in Sunday’s regular season finale against the Dolphins. He was quickly ruled out of action, presumably entering the league’s concussion protocol.
Richardson — a.k.a. “Godforshort” — didn’t like it one bit, taking to Twitter to criticize the Shield.
Jets nation I'm fine...

There’s nothing doing with JPP and the NYG.
Per ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Jason Pierre-Paul, in the final year of his rookie contract, has yet to receive an offer from the Giants, who appear poised to let the pass-rusher test the free agent waters.
While a source tells me it's not a concern, the Giants have not reached out with an offer to extend DE Jason Pierre-Paul, at this...

Here lies the 2014 New Orleans Saints.
On Sunday, the Saints were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention after a 30-14 home loss to the division rival Falcons.
The team officially was fitted with a toe-tag, signifying the expiration of their postseason hopes, much to the disappointment of the players.
“It sucks. We lost. Terrible year,” Saints linebacker Junior...

Even in a losing effort, Rex Ryan’s bunch has to get the last word in.
After the Jets were defeated by the Patriots, 17-16, on Sunday, defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson said the team fared particularly well against Tom Brady and Co.
“Feasting. We had a feast out there,” Richardson said, via ESPNNewYork.com.
Richardson, enjoying an excellent second season in New York, has...

The Titans’ trainwreck 2014 campaign hit a new low on Thursday night, when they were defeated by the equally-hapless Jaguars.
It was the ninth straight loss for Tennessee (2-13) — perhaps more damnable, their 13th in the last 14 games.
“It’s not fun,” Coach Ken Whisenhunt said, per The Tennessean. “But I am happy to be here in Nashville, working for this organization...

No matter when — or if — the Packers take the field this postseason, they’ve hand-picked leaders to represent them.
Coach Mike McCarthy announced Wednesday that the team has chosen six playoff captains, voted on by the players, to represent the offense (Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson), defense (Julius Peppers, Morgan Burnett) and special teams (Randall Cobb, Jarrett Bush), according...

Titans rookie tackle Taylor Lewan put his court case to rest on Monday — receiving one-year probation for a bar brawl that occured last December — but he has other things on his mind.
Like his damaged reputation.
“There is no question it took a hit,” Lewan said, via the Tennessean. “And there is nothing I can do but do the probation, do what’s mandated of me, and do...

It was more of the same from Odell Beckham Jr. on Sunday. And the same is very, very good.
The Giants’ electrifying rookie receiver had 12 catches for 143 yards and three touchdowns in the team’s 24-13 win over Washington.
In other words, he single-handily defeated the Redskins.
Beckham Jr. now has posted 90 receiving yards in seven straight games, adding an NFL record to...

Just call him Clay “White Shoes” Matthews.
The Packers’ star linebacker donned a pair of white cleats during last Monday night’s game against the Falcons. His fashion statement, though aesthetically pleasing, didn’t go over so well with the league office.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Friday that Matthews was fined $10,000 for wearing the white cleats — classified...

Ndamukong Suh is making his agent earn his money. Literally.
Suh, a soon-to-be free agent, told reporters on Wednesday that Jimmy Sexton will choose where he plays next season.
“It’ll be Jimmy’s decision, so we’ll go with that,” Suh said, per the Detroit Free Press. “You can call Jimmy if you want to.”
Asked if that meant Sexton would ultimately pick his next team...

Terrell Owens would like you to know he’s ready, willing and able to continue his NFL career. No, seriously.
In an interview with TMZ Sports, the 41-year-old (!) former receiver lobbied for a job, revealing he is, indeed, available.
“I stay ready so I don’t have to get ready,” Owens said.
T.O. has kept himself in top physical shape, but hasn’t played in an NFL regular...

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